Bash raises cash for Christmas drive

Spectators watch as Blynn Hill, C.E.R.T. Team, falls to the canvas after taking a punch from Dillon Marlow, C.E.R.T. Team, during Saturday's Badge Bash for Christmas Cash at the Uniontown Junior/Senior High School gymnasium. Marlow defeated Hill in the second round after the fight was called by the referee. (Michael Pommier/Tribune)

Pouring rain didn't stop the 2009 Badge Bash for Christmas Cash Saturday in Uniontown.

Despite a heavy rain, Southeast Kansas Regional Correctional Center Director of Security Jimmy Nichols and Director of Programs Brad Rich made the decision to move forward with the Olympic field events as planned which took place on the football field at Uniontown High School. Rich said they saw the rain as another challenge.

"We just looked at each other (Rich and Nichols) and decided to keep going," Rich said. "There wasn't a reason not to have it."

Bourbon County District 3 Fire Department team members battle the rain during their tug-of-war match against the Cherokee County Sheriff's Office at Saturday's Badge Bash for Christmas Cash at Uniontown Junior/Senior High.

Participating in the event Saturday were the Bourbon County C.E.R.T. Team, Bourbon County District 3 Fire Department, and the Cherokee County Sheriff's Office. The competition began with the running of an obstacle course, tug-of-war, two-mile relay, and the First Down Bungee.

Following the field events, the competition moved to the main event -- the boxing matches.

Saturday's matches were more tame than last year's matches, which lead to fewer unhappy spectators, Rich said.

"There were a little less knockouts and a little less blood ... which is good," he said. "Overall, I think (the crowd) liked what they saw."

Hoping to break up the fights with some hilarity, two sumo suit matches were held.

"We seemed to have a better response," Rich said. "I think the sumo suits helped offset the boxing."

Rich said the total amount of money raised by the event has not been tallied yet, however he thinks they are close to their goal of $7,000 to help families during Christmas.

"I think we are going to be close to what we made last year," Rich said.

Rich said last year's event raised enough money to substantially assist 15 families. He added, the SEKRCC is hoping to help that many families again this year.